Sen. Kirk critical of proposed college aid changes

CHICAGO — U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk is criticizing proposed regulations that proponents argue will protect students who attend some colleges from amassing huge debts they can't pay off.

The Associated Press

CHICAGO — U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk is criticizing proposed regulations that proponents argue will protect students who attend some colleges from amassing huge debts they can't pay off.

The proposed Obama administration rules would penalize career-oriented programs that produce graduates without the training they need to find a job that will allow them to pay off their debts.

The administration has long sought to block federal student aid from programs that don't prepare students for "gainful employment."

But Kirk says the regulations would unfairly penalize community colleges and other institutions. And the Illinois Republican says they'd inadvertently harm poorer students who have struggled most economically.

In a Monday statement, Kirk argues that institutions that would be most affected often offer good options to "traditionally underserved students."